La Grande Middle School – TAG Field Trip
05-18-23
A group of La Grande Middle School students who are in the TAG (Talented and Gifted) enrichment program recently took a field trip over the mountain to Pendleton.
This group of 6th through 8th graders participated in a project this school year to raise money and choose an organization to donate it to.
According to Ellen Lester, District TAG Teacher and Media Specialist, the students started with a mini-business plan. Then they planned crafts, made materials lists, created crafts (like mini gnomes, ornaments, etc.), marketed, advertised and sold them to district staff members. The students raised $157, then received a donation to bump the total to $200.
Then it was time for the students to research nonprofit organizations and charities in the region and gave presentations about them. Through a vote, Blue Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation was chosen. This center is a wildlife facility located in Pendleton that cares for orphaned, injured and sick wildlife to enable their return to their natural habitats. It also focuses on education and research.
“The students learned a lot about organizing a small business venture, fundraising and evaluating nonprofits, skills they can use in future projects they may participate in. I am proud of their energy and work,” Lester said.
On May 3rd, the students traveled to Pendleton to visit the center, learn about the program and donate their contribution. The group stopped at the Yogurt Shoppe in Pendleton for a quick treat before heading home to La Grande.
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